Todd Zeitler

Ultrasensitive Humidity Detection Using Metal–Organic Framework-Coated Microsensors

The use of metal-organic framework (MOF) thin films to detect water vapor across a wide concentration range is demonstrated using MOF-functionalized quartz surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors. A range of 3-14,800 ppmv was obtained with thin films of the MOF Cu(3)(benzenetricarboxylate)(2) (Cu-BTC) deposited by an automated layer-by-layer method. Devices coated by a manual technique demonstrated sensitivity from 0.28 to 14,800 ppmv, the limit of our test system. This exceeds the sensitivity of many commercially available sensors. Cu-BTC layers were covalently bonded directly to the silicon oxide surface, allowing devices to be heated beyond 100 °C to desorb water adsorbed in the pores without decomposition, thereby regenerating the sensors. Sensor response as a function of coating thickness was evaluated, showing that the SAW sensor response is bounded by maximum and minimum layer thicknesses. Computer simulation of H(2)O uptake shows a multistep adsorption isotherm defined by initial adsorption at open Cu-sites, followed by pore-filling and finally full saturation. Modeling and experimental results are consistent. Calculated uptake values suggest an efficient adsorption of H(2)O by Cu-BTC. These results provide the first convincing evidence that MOF functionalization of compact sensing technologies such as SAW devices and microcantilevers can compete with state-of-the art devices.

Vibrational Analysis of Brucite Surfaces and the Development of an Improved Force Field for Molecular Simulation of Interfaces

We introduce a nonbonded three-body harmonic potential energy term for Mg–O–H interactions for improved edge surface stability in molecular simulations. The new potential term is compatible with the Clayff force field and is applied here to brucite, a layered magnesium hydroxide mineral. Comparisons of normal mode frequencies from classical and density functional theory calculations are used to verify a suitable spring constant (k parameter) for the Mg–O–H bending motion. Vibrational analysis of hydroxyl librations at two brucite surfaces indicates that surface Mg–O–H modes are shifted to frequencies lower than the corresponding bulk modes. A comparison of DFT and classical normal modes validates this new potential term. The methodology for parameter development can be applied to other clay mineral components (e.g., Al, Si) to improve the modeling of edge surface stability, resulting in expanded applicability to clay mineral applications.

Predicting Low-Pressure O 2 Adsorption in Nanoporous Framework Materials for Sensing Applications

A set of 98 nanoporous framework material (NFM) structures was investigated by classical Grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations for low-pressure O2 adsorption properties (Henrys constant and isosteric heat of adsorption). The set of materials includes those that have shown high O2 uptake experimentally as well as a subset of more than 2000 structures previously screened for noble-gas uptake. While use of the general force field UFF is fruitful for noble-gas adsorption studies, its use is shown to be limited for the case of O2 adsorption-one distinct limitation is a lack of sufficient O2 -metal interactions to be able to describe O2 interaction with open metal sites. Nonetheless, those structures without open metal sites that have very small pores (<2.5 Å) show increased O2 /N2 selectivity. Additionally, O2 /N2 mixture simulations show that in some cases, H2 O or N2 can hinder O2 uptake for NFMs with small pores due to competitive adsorption.

Selective stress-based microcantilever sensors for enhanced surveillance.

Assessment of component aging and degradation in weapon systems remains a considerable challenge for the Integrated Stockpile Evaluation program. Analysis of weapon atmospheres can provide degradation signatures and indicate the presence of corrosive vapors. However, a critical need exists for compatible in-situ sensors to detect moisture and other gases over stockpile lifetimes. This inhibits development of both “self-aware weapons” and fully instrumented weapon test platforms that could provide in-situ data to validate high-fidelity models for gases within weapons. We developed platforms for on-demand weapon atmosphere surveillance based on static microcantilevers (SMC) and surface accoustic wave (SAW) devices coated with nanoporous metal organic frameworks (MOFs) to provide selectivity. SMC detect analytes via adsorbate-induced stress and are up to 100X more sensitive than resonant

DRSPALL: Impact of the Modification of the Numerical Spallings Model on Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Performance Assessment.

The numerical code DRSPALL (from direct release spallings) is written to calculate the volume of Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) solid waste subject to material failure and transport to the surface as a result of a hypothetical future inadvertent drilling intrusion. An error in the implementation of the DRSPALL finite difference equations was discovered as documented in Software Problem Report (SPR) 13-001. The modifications to DRSPALL to correct the finite difference equations are detailed, and verification and validation testing has been completed for the modified DRSPALL code. The complementary cumulative distribution function (CCDF) of spallings releases obtained using the modified DRSPALL is higher compared to that found in previous WIPP performance assessment (PA) calculations. Compared to previous PAs, there was an increase in the number of vectors that result in a nonzero spallings volume, which generally translates to an increase in spallings releases. The overall mean CCDFs for total releases using the modified DRSPALL are virtually unchanged, thus the modification to DRSPALL did not impact WIPP PA calculation results. 1 Stoller Newport News Nuclear, Inc. (SN3), a wholly owned subsidiary of Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc., Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220, Sandia Contract No. 1018118. 2 Sandia National Laboratories, Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220. 3 Presently with Natural Resources Management & Environmental Sciences Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California 93407. The work described in this report was performed while employed by Sandia National Laboratories. 4 GRAM, Inc., Albuquerque, New Mexico 87112, Sandia Contract No. 1557789.